Saturday, 27 March 2010

Although there were signs a few weeks ago, the weather has not been good and things are progressing very slowly in the garden. Usually by this time in March, the trees are starting to show green, but not this year.

Nest building is, however, in full swing. This little blue tit has taken up residence in one of our nest boxes. The long-tailed tits have been picking cobwebs from around our windows to line their nests and last week I saw a little goldcrest picking fluff from one of the garden lamps.

The daffodils are now flowering, several weeks later than usual, but the weather is not being kind. Not too cold but lots of rain. We change the clocks tonight and will lose an hour, but the evenings will be much lighter. I hope that the weather will allow us to enjoy them.

The deer are still hanging around the garden most days. I think they can find more food here than in the woods, until everything starts growing again. They sit in the woods during the day, watching us from a safe distance, and come out in the evening to graze in the garden. It should not be too long until the babies are born.

Friday, 5 March 2010

March dawned with beautiful weather, mild and sunny. But it did not stay that way for long! Several very cold, frosty mornings this week.

However, the birds are getting excited. There have been signs of frantic nest building and frenetic activity. It has been a long, hard winter for them and they have survived. I love to see them at this time of year - always in pairs.

As well as snowdrops, we have crocuses flowering and the first daffodils this year, bringing some colour back to the garden.